Journalist honoured by town for community work

A FOURTH honorary freeman is to be installed in Dover.

Veteran journalist Terry Sutton is to be accorded the honour in a ceremony on May 19.

Mr Sutton, who was born in Dover and educated at Dover Boys’ Grammar School, has spent his life working as a journalist in the town, and continues to write articles and act as press officer for various organisations in his retirement. He is now 82.

He has also written books on the town and is a popular speaker on various aspects of Dover’s history, particularly the Second World War.

In 2009 he was presented with a Civic Award for his work for Dover.

He was evacuated to Wales during the Second World War, served his National Service in the Army and then followed his father Norman into journalism.

Rising to chief reporter, news editor, deputy editor and associate editor, Terry has continued to write for local, national and specialist papers as a freelance.

He has always been very involved in the community. He is chairman of the White Cliffs Country Tourism Association, a former vice-chairman of the Dover Society, has served on St Martin’s Emmaus, Christians Together in Dover, is a member of Dover Rotary Club and St Mary’s Church, and is joint editor of the Old Pharosians’ newsletter, the journal of the old boys of the grammar school.

When he retired from the board of Dover Town Centre Management he was made its first Honorary Member in appreciation for his commitment to the organisation.

He was awarded an MBE for his services to journalism and the community.

Once inducted as a Freeman, Mr Sutton will be able to join Dover’s other three honorary freeman, Jack Woolford, Bob Tant and John Turnpenny, at civic events and take part in processions.